Developing Local Learning Centres

Rationale of the study

The Lisbon European Council Presidency conclusion of 23 and 24 March 2000 provided for strategic goals for the European Union in order to strengthen employment, economic reform and social cohesion as part of knowledge based economy by 2010. One major theme was a new approach on education and training called “Education and training for living and working in the knowledge society”.

Within this context, the development of local learning centres and learning partnerships is specified as an important component of the new approach required in education and training to reach Lisbon goals for 2010. The Lisbon Council conclusion calls on Member States to take the necessary steps within their areas of competences to develop multipurpose local learning centres. These learning centres have to be accessible to all, using the most appropriate methods to address a wide range of target groups. Moreover, learning partnerships should be established between schools, training centres, firms and research facilities for their mutual benefit.

In order to gain an impression of the extent to which local learning centres and learning partnerships are being developed, the European Commission (DG Education and Culture) has launched this study of local learning centres and learning partnerships.

Results

Based on 62 case studies of developments and practices of local learning centres and learning partnerships, this study assesses the value and impact of local learning centres and learning partnerships on providing learning opportunities throughout life. It also assesses the strength and weaknesses of different models, in order to draw conclusions on how to encourage greater collaboration and a culture of cooperation between the formal world of education and training and providers of non-formal and informal learning. Based on this assessment the study will recommend ways of organising local learning centres and partnerships. In addition to this report a practical guide is developed for interested parties who are stimulating, developing, or running local learning centres or a learning partnership.

Full report

The full report is available on the website of the European Commission

http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/2010/studies/locallearning.pdf

Team

  • Douwe Grijpstra (RvB, project manager)
  • Bert-Jan Buiskool (RvB)
  • Jaap van Lakerveld (PLATO)
  • Carlos van Kan  (PLATO)
  • Frowine den Oudendammer (PLATO)
  • Hemmo Smit (PLATO)